Leupold VX-lll 4.5x14x40 vs Bushnell Elite 4200 4x16x40 - which one?

[dhacker]

Need a new scope and am looking at these two scopes. I have no problem spending the extra money for the Leupold but it sure looks like people here really recommend the Bushnell Elite series scopes. Opinions and thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

Don

Depends on what kinda gun. The bushnell doesn't have the eye relief I want so I wouldn't use it on a hard recoiling gun. I just bought one of these bushnells. Can't wait to see how it work out.

I still still trust leupold. I would have to go with it. Until I get won over by these 3200's anyway.

[stubblejumper]

The bushnell does have shorter eye relief which can be a factor on a hard recoiling rifle.It also is brighter,the eye relief is more consistant as the magnification is changed and it has the rain guard feature.

[oldelkhunter]

Leupold is lighter by 4 oz..Glass is not any better then Bushnell . Offers no parallax adjustment and the Bushnell does. If you want the parallax adjustment in the Leupold you go for the LR model and have to live with a 30mm tube. The Bushnell also has rainguard and a longer mounting tube length. Eye relief advantage in lower powers anyway goes to the Leupold but not by much if any in a practical sense.

Man, oldelk, you are right. I had to read that twice. What in the hell are they doing down there in Leupold. Ok, you change your line. But now you change the features. I have a 6-20 AO, and 4.5-14 AO Vari X III. If you are going to change your line, don't take away features people are used to having like AO. Its a damn shame. They have came close to losing a cult like customer like myself.

Well, good news you can still get Vari X III AO on ebay for under $425

[oldelkhunter]

I forgot about this new Leupold feature for the upgraded VXIII the patented 3 piece tube which is better then the alumninum/titanium one piece tube used on the Bushnell as per a certain outdoor writer...Righttttt

[duramaxlt]

what crazy outdoor writer are you talking about.by the way some of these college boys have NEVER been in the field in their life without a guide present.

[Sniper151]

If your looking for a scope that will last a lifetime without problems, Leupold, hands downs.

[oldelkhunter]

Duramaxit..I was referring to John Barsness who replied to a question posed by another member who posts here. He basically told this member that there is no difference between a 3pc tube and a 1pc tube in scope construction. This same writer recieved the I believe Slack Award for outdoor writers last year if I am not mistaken. That award is a Leupold creation. Take that for what its' worth.

Duramaxlt, read October I believe Rifle magizine where John barshness replyed back to my question. When I have met him, I don't think he was any rhodes scholar. Sounds like a good ole montana boy that was in the right place at the right time. But I would say he's been in the field once or twice without a guide.